10 Jill Scott Songs to Help You Live Your Life Like it’s Golden
Okayplayer takes a look at 10 engrossing Jill Scott tracks perfect for tranquil meditation.
Jill Scott songs are many things: entrancing, vulnerable, sincere. Strong. But as much as anything else, they’re lessons — a framework for self-empowerment and wandering romantics swimming in their own emotions.
The acclaimed vocalist swirls all these themes together with meditative neo-soul beats and vocals that oscillate between serenely gentle and explosively powerful. When taken together, it’s more than a vibe. It’s a guide to live by. Now, it’s time to take a look at it.
Today, Okayplayer highlights 10 Jill Scott songs that will help you live your life like it’s golden."A Long Walk"
Powered by a relaxed jazz sound bed and Jill Scott’s effortless warmth, “A Long Walk” is a neo-soul classic that explores the types of conversations that can lead to healing, self-discovery, and if you’re lucky, lasting love.
"The Way"
For “The Way,” Jill Scott cruises over a laidback bassline as she recounts those days she was smiling to herself for no apparent reason. Ok, well actually, there was a reason — the best reason: she’s got someone who loves her and has no problem showing it. Of course, Jill’s got power in those vocals, but here, she’s more gentle as she describes the sort of tender love that’s worth surrendering to.
"He Loves Me"
Sultry, sexy and endlessly intimate, “He Loves Me” is a classic lullaby for lovers. Get lost in Jill Scott’s melodies and an instrumental that lulls you into perfect tranquility.
"You Got Me" - Jill Scott and The Roots
Nothing like a lil’ lovers’ reassurance, especially when you’re afraid their friends’ Instagram stories can look like a City Girls video. Embodying the most tender serenity you can imagine, Jill Scott says she’s got you, and she’s got the understated conviction to make you believe her.
"Love Rain" featuring Yasiin Bey
With a languid beat and spurts of three-dimensional songwriting, “Love Rain” is the best-case scenario for a Jill Scott and Yasiin Bey collaboration.
"So In Love" featuring Anthony Hamilton
It will never get more soulful than Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton on the same track. For this one, though, they take you to the dancefloor where you can vibe out and bask in all the love you deserve. Or just pretend you’re Jill and dance to your heart’s content.
"Golden"
For this one, Scott lets loose a statement of purpose: she’s going to live her life on the best terms she can, and she’ll be a proud woman while she’s at it. With her powerful grace, you’ve got no choice but to believe her — and try to live your life like it’s golden, too.
"Daydreamin" Lupe Fiasco featuring Jill Scott
A standout from Lupe Fiasco’s 2006 classic, Food & Liquor, “Daydreamin” is as surrealistic as its title suggests, and Jill Scott’s hook helps swirl it all into something that’s simultaneously modern, retro and otherworldly.
“Gettin in the Way”
Nobody likes an ex that can’t let go — especially when the person they won’t let loose is your lover. For this one, Jill tells it straight as she confronts a “sister girl” whose grasp on the past — Jill’s current man — is way too strong. Just let go, girl, or Jill’s going to pull up on you and sing this track for everyone in the neighborhood to see and hear.
"Cross my Mind"
Romantic longing never sounds more powerful than when rendered through Jill Scott’s vocal chords. Especially when it’s all embedded with classic, understated neo-soul.
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